Egypt lays out roadmap to boost trade, investment ties among D-8 states

Updated 12/2/2025 11:46:00 AM

Arab Finance: Egypt presented an extensive plan to deepen trade integration, expand investment, and strengthen economic cooperation among the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8) member states during the fourth meeting of the D-8 Trade Ministers Council, chaired by Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Hassan El-Khatib in Cairo, as per a statement.

El-Khatib welcomed the gathering of trade ministers, the D-8 Secretary-General, and member-state delegations, noting that Egypt’s hosting of the meeting underscores the group’s commitment to advancing joint economic priorities.

He said the council provides a platform for countries to respond collectively to global shifts in trade and value chains, which he argued require more adaptable policies to sustain growth and reinforce integration.

The minister highlighted the diversity and resources across D-8 countries, pointing to a shared ability to unlock new opportunities for trade and investment.

He noted that intra-D-8 trade reached nearly $150 billion in 2024, adding that member states should work to raise these levels in line with their economic potential.

El-Khatib outlined Egypt’s priorities during its chairmanship, which have centered on broadening trade integration, encouraging investment, supporting sustainable development, and advancing innovation, technology, and capacity-building.

He said Egypt has focused on ensuring the Preferential Trade Agreement functions as an effective mechanism for cooperation, emphasizing steps to complete full implementation and activate the trade facilitation strategy, including establishing a binding timetable and operationalizing the dispute settlement committee.

He confirmed that Egypt is finalizing its own ratification procedures for the agreement and will notify the General Secretariat upon completion.

He also called for launching the working group for the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and expanding the agreement’s scope as member states pursue the target of increasing intra-regional trade to $500 billion by 2030.

In his remarks, El-Khatib stressed the need to strengthen support for small and medium enterprises and youth-led initiatives.

He underscored ongoing efforts to establish a Regional Seed Bank and examine the feasibility of building a strategic reserve of essential commodities to reinforce food security across the D-8.

The minister added that deepening cooperation requires organizing trade forums and exchange visits to facilitate private-sector engagement and attract investment.

He said such initiatives help diversify trade, stimulate intra-regional capital flows, create jobs, and support sustainable development, with continuous follow-up to ensure progress on recommendations.

El-Khatib concluded by thanking member states for their continued cooperation and reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to joint action aimed at strengthening the role of the D-8 and advancing prosperity for all its member countries.